1 A tower of strength our God doth stand,
A shield and sure defender:
True help from all our woes, His hand
Thro' life doth freely render.
Our foe hath fixed his purpose fell,
with might and craft he's arm'd full well,
On earth is not his fellow.
2 With force of arms we nothing can:
Full soon were we o'erridden:
But for us fights the goodly man
Whom God Himself hath bidden.
Ask ye His Name? 'Tis Christ our Lord,
The God of Hosts alone adored,
Our Champion, none dare brave Him.
3 Should hell's whole legion round us press,
All banded to devour us,
Yet this should work us good success,
Nor fear e'en then o'erpower us:
Though this world's prince look fierce and bold,
It maters not, his doom is told,
A single word can foil him.
4 Our foes must let the Word stand sure;
No thanks for this they're reaping;
God's Spirit in His way secure,
God's grace our souls is keeping;
Those foes may spoil all earthly bliss;
Let be! they win no gain from this,
God's kingdom still is left us. Amen.
Source: The Hymnal, Revised and Enlarged, as adopted by the General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America in the year of our Lord 1892 #416
Luther, Martin, born at Eisleben, Nov. 10, 1483; entered the University of Erfurt, 1501 (B.A. 1502, M.A.. 1503); became an Augustinian monk, 1505; ordained priest, 1507; appointed Professor at the University of Wittenberg, 1508, and in 1512 D.D.; published his 95 Theses, 1517; and burnt the Papal Bull which had condemned them, 1520; attended the Diet of Worms, 1521; translated the Bible into German, 1521-34; and died at Eisleben, Feb. 18, 1546. The details of his life and of his work as a reformer are accessible to English readers in a great variety of forms. Luther had a huge influence on German hymnody.
i. Hymn Books.
1. Ellich cristlich lider Lobgesang un Psalm. Wittenberg, 1524. [Hamburg Library.] This contains 8 German h… Go to person page >
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